Procurement Category Manager

About Tegel Foods

Tegel Foods is one of New Zealand's most recognized and trusted brands, known for providing high-quality Halal chicken products that families rely on daily. As the country's leading poultry producer, Tegel is dedicated to fostering talent, driving innovation, and improving continuously to maintain its success.

The Role

This position is distinctly strategic, going beyond traditional purchasing duties. The Strategic Sourcing team prioritizes eliminating inefficiencies with automation and insightful reporting to empower Category Managers and Raw Material Planners. You will have comprehensive ownership of various categories such as Packaging, Ingredients, Chemicals, Utilities, Logistics, and other indirect spend areas. Responsibilities include developing and implementing category strategies, leading negotiations, overseeing supplier performance, and uncovering value opportunities for the business.

Your Impact

You will collaborate closely with teams across Operations, Finance, Quality, R&D, and senior leadership. Your insights and commercial judgment will influence decisions and drive Tegel's commercial results.

Candidate Profile

• Over five years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or category management within food manufacturing, FMCG, or similar complex industries.
• Proven ability to convert commercial opportunities into tangible business benefits.
• Strong confidence in constructively challenging ideas and influencing stakeholders at all levels, including executives.
• Sound commercial judgment balancing cost, risks, service quality, and long-term value creation.
• Curiosity to investigate existing processes and innovate for improvement.
• A proactive mindset with a hands-on approach and accountability.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage category portfolios end-to-end, from strategy formulation to execution and supplier performance monitoring.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to guide sourcing decisions aligned with Tegel's strategic goals.
• Lead supplier contract negotiations that secure sustainable commercial advantages.
• Establish and maintain robust relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Leverage market intelligence and data analytics to identify business opportunities and mitigate risks.
• Drive innovation, cost savings, and process enhancements that add value beyond price considerations.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package
• Medical and life insurance coverage
• KiwiSaver matched contributions up to 4%
• Employee discounts on Tegel products
• Complimentary on-site parking
• A collaborative and supportive team atmosphere
• The chance to make a meaningful contribution to a prominent New Zealand company